A Collection That's Otto This World

Jim and Keven Withers have one of the finest collections of big engines you’ll ever find

Jim Withers with an 1893 60 HP Otto, serial number 3955, that he bought from Harold Ottaway. This engine cost Jim $10,000, but he began collecting gas engines after seeing how cheaply they sold at an auction in the mid-1960s.

A one-of-a-kind 1894 50 HP Otto owned by Jim and Keven. The two adult men partially hidden in the background give perspective to the 78-inch flywheels.

Photo by Nikki Rajala

The 100 HP Charter on display at Rollag, Minn.

Photos by Keven Withers

Jim, flanked by sons Keven (left) and Jeff (right) outside of the Otto engine display building on the show grounds in Rollag, Minn. The Withers own several Ottos and most of them are on permanant display in the building.

Photo provided by Keven Withers

Jim stands with a rare “Lightning” built by Kansas City Hay Press Co.

Photos by Keven Withers

The flywheels on the Blaisdell engine look like they could run forever.

Photo by Bill Vossler

A side view of the 65 HP Blaisdell, manufactured by the Blaisdell Machinery Co., Bradford, Pa.

Photo by Nikki Rajala

Keven and Jim rescued this very rare 1906 40 HP Callahan from the Missouri River near Mandan, N.D.

Photos by Keven Withers

The 1910 20 HP Klein Model 4 at Rollag, Minn.

Photos by Keven Withers

Blaisdell Machinery Co. developed a small 5 x 6 engine compressor to start the larger Blaisdells with compressed air. The serial number on this one is 1495, and it was used to start the 65 HP Blaisdell using 900 pounds of air pressure.

Photo by Nikki Rajala

This rare 40 HP Reid engine is one of only three or four known and was used in a Pittsburgh paint factory.

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